After a successful stint with Vidarbha, Karun Nair returns to Karnataka for the 2025–26 domestic season. With renewed form and confidence, Nair’s comeback promises to strengthen Karnataka’s already impressive batting line-up. Here’s everything you need to know about his move, recent form, and the team dynamics for the upcoming season
Karun Nair Returns to Karnataka After Stellar Performances with Vidarbha
Karun Nair, the elegant right-handed batter who once scored a triple century for India, is officially making his way back to Karnataka for the 2025–26 domestic season. The Karun Nair returns to Karnataka news was confirmed after he received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association, ending his two-season journey with them.
Karun Nair Returns to Karnataka at a time when he’s enjoying a strong resurgence in domestic cricket. With Karnataka being his home team and where he played most of his early cricket, this move is both emotional and strategic.
Why Karun Nair Left and Why He’s Back
Karun Nair had parted ways with Karnataka after the 2021–22 season due to a dip in form and limited opportunities. He joined Vidarbha, where he found the consistency and leadership role he needed. In the recent 2023–24 Ranji Trophy, Nair was instrumental in Vidarbha’s third title win, scoring 863 runs in 16 innings at an average of 53.93, including four centuries. His match-winning hundred in the final against Kerala caught national attention and earned him a recall to the Indian Test squad after over eight years.
Not just in red-ball cricket, Nair shone brightly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. He smashed 779 runs in just 8 innings, including five consecutive centuries, setting a new List A record of scoring the most runs (542) without being dismissed. He captained Vidarbha to a runners-up finish, striking at an impressive 124.01.
His Current Form with India
Although Nair hasn’t replicated that form in the ongoing Test series in England, where he’s scored 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14 in six innings, his comeback is still seen as a positive for Karnataka. His presence adds experience, stability, and a proven match-winner to the squad.
Karnataka’s Batting Line-up Gets Stronger
The Karnataka team is currently filled with promising young batters like R Smaran, KL Shrijith, and KV Aneesh. Smaran led the run charts for Karnataka with 516 runs, and Shrijith scored a century on his first-class debut. With stalwarts like Mayank Agarwal and Devdutt Padikkal already in the squad, Nair’s inclusion adds depth and experience.
This also marks a shift from Karnataka’s recent youth-focused strategy, which saw senior players like Manish Pandey and K Gowtham move out. With Nair back, the team may have to re-balance its playing XI to fit both experience and emerging talent.
Other Domestic Moves
In a related move, Karnataka pacer V Koushik has obtained an NOC to join Goa for the next season. A late bloomer who debuted at 27 in 2019–20, Koushik was Karnataka’s top wicket-taker last season with 23 wickets in seven matches, including two five-wicket hauls. His move leaves a gap in Karnataka’s pace attack.
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FAQ
Why did Karun Nair leave Karnataka originally?
He left due to lack of opportunities and a dip in form during the 2021–22 season.
What made Karun Nair return to Karnataka?
His consistent performances for Vidarbha, including a Ranji title and top-scoring in domestic tournaments, earned him a return spot.
How did Karun Nair perform in recent domestic tournaments?
He scored 863 runs in Ranji 2023–24 and 779 runs in Vijay Hazare 2024–25, including five consecutive centuries.
Will Karun Nair face competition in the Karnataka XI?
Yes, Karnataka has several in-form batters like R Smaran and Devdutt Padikkal, which may create a healthy selection challenge.
Who else left Karnataka for the upcoming season?
Seamer V Koushik has moved to Goa after being Karnataka’s top wicket-taker last season.
